In a statement at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that every Justice Department and FBI employee who participated in the criminal investigations of former President Donald Trump has left the agencies, either through firing, resignation, or early retirement.
Blanche's CPAC Statement
Blanche emphasized that no DOJ employee remains who was involved in the prosecutions. He cited a number of "over 200" people, though CNN has not independently verified this figure.
Background on the Investigations
The criminal cases against Trump were initiated by former special counsel Jack Smith. They included:
- Prosecution for retention of classified records.
- Prosecution for efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Both cases were dismissed before Trump assumed office in January 2025.
Campaign Promise and "Weaponization" Narrative
These departures fulfill a key promise made by Trump during his campaign to end the alleged "weaponization" of the Justice Department against him and his supporters.
Employee Terminations and Trust Issues
The firings have impacted numerous lawyers, FBI agents, and support staff. In some instances, termination letters stated that employees could not be "trusted" to "faithfully" implement Trump's agenda due to their involvement in the prosecutions. One such letter from acting Attorney General James McHenry in early 2025 highlighted the lack of trust based on their role in prosecuting the President.
Recent FBI Actions
Most recently, FBI Director Kash Patel terminated a dozen employees connected to the classified documents investigation. This action is part of a broader internal review into the methods used in Smith's probe, including the FBI's use of subpoenas for communications records.
